Chapter 19
“But isn’t that the reason?” I asked, suddenly uncertain of everything I’d believed.
Nathan leaned forward, his eyes intense despite his exhaustion.
“Emma, if protecting our reputation was my goal, I had countless simpler solutions at my disposal. I chose the most difficult path for a reason–one I think you already understand.”
He paused, gathering his courage before continuing, “Haven’t you sensed it all this time? I’ve been in love with you far longer than you know.”
My world tilted on its axis.
“How long exactly?”
“Since before you even knew I existed – back when you were pursuing Matthew.”
The revelation nearly knocked me out of my chair.
In those early days, I hadn’t even known about Matthew’s twin, yet Nathan had already been harboring feelings for me?
Before I could process this bombshell, he delivered another: “I fell for you the day you mistook me for my
brother.”
Then he unfolded a story from earlier that year, when I’d heard Matthew was sick and rushed to the hospital. After searching the corridors, I’d found who I thought was Matthew getting an IV in a quiet
corner.
The scene played out in my memory: my casual comment about his formal attire, his silent observation, my offering of homemade food.
Nathan had intended to correct my mistake, but hunger and exhaustion had won out. After a day of endless meetings, he’d barely found time for his IV, settling for a corner rather than waiting for a private room, his entire staff dispatched to handle his workload.
I’d stayed, filling the silence with chatter, trying to lift his spirits.
Gradually, Nathan had opened up, our conversation flowing more naturally as the hours passed.
What could have been a miserable evening became something unexpectedly intimate.
As I’d prepared to leave, his quiet question – “Will I see you again?” – had carried more weight than I’d
Chapter 19
understood at the time.
My cheerful response – “Of course! You know I like you, just message me whenever!” had crushed him, earning only a soft, disappointed “Oh.”
Why hadn’t I found Matthew that day?
Because he’d been with Victoria in her hospital room – she was the one who’d been ill.
Later, when I’d asked Matthew about the meal, he’d smoothly lied, saying it was delicious.
He’d never tasted it, but he knew who had.
That first deception had cascaded into more.
When Matthew had approached Nathan to maintain the lie, Nathan – who’d been on the verge of pursuing me himself – had looked at his brother in disbelief.
“You’re lying to her?”
“She really likes me, brother. Would you want to see her heartbroken?”
“Are you two…”
“As of yesterday.”
Nathan fell silent then, a silence that had lasted far too long.
Chapter 20
